Unofficially, the Most Fun in Key West: 40th Annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration

Most outsiders don’t know it, but April is a special month in Key West. The island becomes extra-animated with parties celebrating the Conch Republic Independence Celebration, when Key West momentarily seceded from the United States. Festivities include the longest parade in the world, pub crawls, fake battles, dog costume contests, and other off-beat traditions.

For those who don’t know, the Conch Republic was established in 1982 after the U.S. Border Patrol set up a roadblock on one of the two roads that connects Key West to the mainland, which resulted in heinous traffic jams. Key West residents protested after seeing this act as a threat to their livelihood and the tourism industry. However, they didn’t use banners, signs, and marches – they seceded.

Well, not officially.

Former Key West Mayor Dennis Wardlow declared the secession as more of a joke than an actual act of treason. And while the actual “revolution” lasted only a minute, the roadblock was later removed. Today, the festivities surrounding the 40th Conch Republic Independence Day are driven by the republic’s mission “to bring humor, warmth and respect to a world in sore need of all three.”

Locals never miss an opportunity to exhibit their “sovereign state of mind” – as you’ll see in their annual celebrations.

This year’s Conch Republic Independence Celebration kicks off April 15 with a breakfast at Two Friends Patio, raising the conch colors at Mallory Square, and in the evening, a party and conch shell blowing contest at the Schooner Wharf Bar, the official “unofficial” bar of the Conch Republic.

Other events include the “Great Sea Battle” (fought with water guns and stale bread);  the World’s Longest Parade, which spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico; bar crawls, wine tastings and “conch-tail” parties, sailboat and bed races (pictured above), costume contests, art exhibits and fairs, and so much more. See the events calendar for a full list and times.

Another worthwhile activity includes The Great Conch Republic Drag Races on Duval, raced by drag queens (would you expect anything less?!). Queens stuff their shirts, dawn crazy-colored wigs and scant around in tight, short skirts, all while racing down Duval Street to complete an obstacle course filled with tires, shopping carts, and tightropes.

So pack your costumes, grab a bottle of rum, and “secede where others failed.” Get to the Conch Republic Independence Celebration from April 15 to April 24, 2022, and stay at 24 North Hotel, the “unofficial” hotel of the Conch Republic. We have modern rooms that are smartly furnished, a large pool, restaurant & bar, and an on-site Starbucks. Plus, if you want some peace and quiet away from the festival during your downtime, we're in just the right spot. We’re located about 10 minutes from all the festivities and have air-conditioned shuttles to and from Old Town. See which of our special offers works for you.